A summer movie screening at Luuwit View Park in Northeast Portland

The only good thing about days getting shorter after the summer solstice? Outdoor movies can start a wee bit earlier for all those sleepyheads out there. Portlanders have plenty of options for cinema in the great outdoors this summer, from classics curated by the Hollywood Theatre to the city parks department’s Summer Free for All. We gathered the best open-air movie showings within an hour's drive.

Free Outdoor Movies in Oregon State Parks

The Hollywood Theatre teams up with Oregon State Parks for alfresco film action. Return to Oz might have been on the "do not watch at night if you're home alone" list for many an ’80s youngster, but maybe the Fairuza Balk adventure will be less terrifying in the great wide open of the Columbia River Gorge at Rooster Rock State Park. State parks still have parking fees, but day-use parking is free after 7pm for moviegoers. Showings begin at dusk, or 8:30 or 9ish.

Sat, June 29: Return to Oz at Rooster Rock State Park

Sat, July 13: ParaNorman Quest at Milo McIver State Park

Sat, July 20: The Witches at Stub Stewart State Park

Sat, Aug 3: The Dark Crystal at Champoeg State Heritage Area

Portland Parks Summer Free for All

Gratis outdoor movies are part of the city parks bureau’s Summer Free for All. Check the full parks events calendar for concerts, comedy nights, cultural festivals, and more. (We’re marking our own calendars for Madame Web at Wilkes Park, which we couldn't bring ourselves to actually pay money to see in the theater, and are wondering if Hamilton Park is too hilly for us to try to roller-skate there for Barbie.) Events begin at 7:30pm, with screenings starting around dusk, once it's dark enough to see the screen.

Fri, July 12: Newsies at Overlook Park

Thu, July 18: Ferris Bueller's Day Off at Col. Summers Park

Fri, July 19: Jazz on a Summer's Day at Fernhill Park

Sat, July 20: Whale Rider at Kʰunamokwst Park

Thu, July 25: The Little Mermaid (live-action 2023 version) at Wilshire Park

Fri, July 26: Ferdinand at Mt. Scott Park

Fri, Aug 2: Turning Red at Berrydale Park

Sat, Aug 3: Madame Web at Wilke Park (English with Spanish subtitles) 

Thu, Aug 8: Wonka at Brooklyn Park

Fri, Aug 9: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem at Holly Farm Park

Thu, Aug 15: Slumdog Millionaire at Oregon Park

Sat, Aug 17: Night at the Museum at Rose City Park 

Thu, Aug 22: Top Gun: Maverick at Elizabeth Caruthers Park

Fri, Aug 23: Independence Day at Luuwit View Park

Fri, Aug 30: A Million Miles Away at Sewallcrest Park 

Sat, Aug 31: Barbie at Hamilton Park 

Flicks on the Bricks

Watch for this year's movie line-up at Pioneer Courthouse Square, a.k.a. “Portland’s living room." Screenings are free and all ages.

99-W Drive-In Theatre

The Newberg institution marks its 71st anniversary this year. Movies—generally the latest blockbusters—start around sunset, and the box office usually opens at least two hours before, as cars line up early to get the best parking spots. On Fridays and Saturdays, films often sell out well before showtime. Admission is $10 for anyone 12 and older, $5 for kids 6 to 11, and free for ages 5 and under. Sound is broadcast on FM radio.